Former Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is back in the dugout, taking charge of Turkish giants Besiktas in an 18-month deal, with an option to extend into the 2026-27 season. This marks the Norwegian’s first managerial role since leaving Old Trafford in 2021.
Besiktas, one of Turkey’s most storied clubs with 16 league titles to their name, announced the appointment as they look to regain their dominance in the Süper Lig. Currently sitting sixth in the table, the Istanbul side have been without a permanent head coach since Giovanni van Bronckhorst departed in November.
“We believe Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will make significant contributions to our club, and we warmly welcome him to the Besiktas family,” the club said in an official statement.
For Solskjaer, the move is an opportunity to revive his managerial career after his mixed tenure at Manchester United. Taking over the reins at Old Trafford in 2018, initially as an interim manager, the “Baby-faced Assassin” quickly became a fan favorite, earning a three-year contract after steering the team to a second-place finish in the Premier League and a Europa League final. However, a poor run of form saw him sacked in November 2021, leaving without silverware despite notable progress.
A club legend at United, Solskjaer’s playing career is etched in football history, with his most iconic moment being the dramatic stoppage-time winner in the 1999 Champions League final against Bayern Munich, sealing a historic treble for Sir Alex Ferguson’s side.
Now, Solskjaer faces a challenging task in Turkey. Besiktas, while traditionally a powerhouse, have struggled to keep pace with the likes of Fenerbahce and Galatasaray. He will also guide them in the Europa League, where they sit 28th, a point shy of the playoff spots with two games left in the group stage. Intriguingly, Besiktas will face Jose Mourinho another former United manager, when they travel to Fenerbahce on May 4 in what promises to be a fiery clash.
